KENTUCKY — Dozens of volunteers from North Carolina-based nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse are on the ground in the hardest hit areas of Kentucky to help flood survivors.
Heavy rains caused devastating flooding in the eastern part of the Bluegrass State, displacing thousands of residents and killing at least 37 people.
Samaritan’s Purse says it deployed over 30 volunteers, relief specialists and two tractor trailers full of supplies and equipment to help people in Breathitt and Floyd counties.
Karissa Ryan, an assistant program manager for Samaritan’s Purse, has been in Kentucky all week and says more volunteers are on the way.
“So many people are just devastated by how widespread and how much it was flooded in their homes,” Ryan said. “People sharing 5 feet of water, basements completely flooded, flooding to the top of their first floor. The damage is pretty catastrophic in the area.”
They’re helping homeowners clear mud from their basements, removing wet and moldy sheetrock and spraying to prevent mold growth on wet areas. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Chaplains are also on site.
“They’re ministering to those emotional and spiritual needs that the homeowners have,” Ryan said. “Because obviously it’s not just about the loss that they’re experiencing in their homes, but also in the community. Losing family members, friends and then just grieving, grieving for what they’ve experienced.”
This is not the first time Samaritan’s Purse has helped out eastern Kentucky. In 2021, Breathitt County experienced flooding that led to volunteers helping residents rebuild.
The nonprofit is also responding to flooding in both St. Louis County, Missouri and Buchanan County, Virginia.
If you’re interested in volunteering in Kentucky, click here.
They also have a Homeowner Hotline set up for anyone requesting assistance at (606) 303-5361.
Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian nonprofit that provides physical and spiritual help around the world.